03/20/2011

Scrapbook Layouts Using Graphic 45 Papers

(photograph by CSIS Photography)

Last week I wrote about my hesitation to break into the gorgeous paper pads of Graphic 45 's colorful and utterly inspiring collections. The papers were so exquisitely designed that I didn't dare to cut them up - I used them basically to drool over. In addition to that, the papers are very vibrant and so strong in character, that I was a bit intimidated by them. I thought that they would compete with the photos in a scrapbook layout. Well, as you can see, I got over my fears and have found great joy in stretching beyond my scrapbooking comfort zone and entering an entirely new realm of papercrafting.

The layout above was designed to show-off a wonderful image of my photogenic three-year-old grandson, Rigel, by CSIS Photography. Standing in front of the multi-colored-shingled shack in his cable fisherman's sweater, Rigel had the exact look that I wanted to combine with the unique "Steampunk Debutante" papers by G45. Elements on the design are very 3-dimensional...especially in the upper right-hand corner, where some very interesting woven beads hang by fibers from a large metal brad, so the background in that area didn't scan as clearly as I had hoped, but perhaps you can still appreciate the interesting juxtaposition of contrasting elements. To me, these contrasts mimicked the personality of the subject, who is simultaneously a rough-and-tumble boy and a soft, gentle, sweet spirit.

This next layout is a study in monochromatic design:

(photograph by CSIS Photography)

Here I was inspired by the color of the grass in autumn, with its hues of yellow ochre and green. I wanted the focus to be Rigel's face as it was highlighted by the rays of the sun shining through his incredible head of hair. The papers used in this layout are also mostly from the "Steampunk Debutante" papers by G45 -I believe the lettering on the left was cut-out from G45's "Renaissance-Faire" collection. The cool envelope is a rather new addition to G45's line of products -I switched-out the black yarn it came with a green cord that co-ordinated better with the other elements. The 3-D list of all the ways I love this boy was written on some cool ledger paper.

You've probably noticed the many layers of inking and chalking that were applied to give the papers this worn and aged appearance. I also want to point out the interesting technique used on the solid green paper that mats the photo. The paper is torn using a ruler, then the edges are wetted and sanded to make them soft and fuzzy and just a bit uneven, like the neglected lawn and the boy's uneven curls.

One of my favorite elements on this scrapbook layout is the metal button used as the center of the flower...these sort of contrasts add whimsy as well as interest to the artwork.

So dear readers...what have you done lately to step outside of your comfort zone? What challenges have you stepped up to that changed your perspective or allowed you to grow in an unexpected direction? (Please send love by leaving a comment below).

Playing it forward, Enikö

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Scrapbook Layouts Using Graphic 45 Papers

(photograph by CSIS Photography)

Last week I wrote about my hesitation to break into the gorgeous paper pads of Graphic 45 's colorful and utterly inspiring collections. The papers were so exquisitely designed that I didn't dare to cut them up - I used them basically to drool over. In addition to that, the papers are very vibrant and so strong in character, that I was a bit intimidated by them. I thought that they would compete with the photos in a scrapbook layout. Well, as you can see, I got over my fears and have found great joy in stretching beyond my scrapbooking comfort zone and entering an entirely new realm of papercrafting.

The layout above was designed to show-off a wonderful image of my photogenic three-year-old grandson, Rigel, by CSIS Photography. Standing in front of the multi-colored-shingled shack in his cable fisherman's sweater, Rigel had the exact look that I wanted to combine with the unique "Steampunk Debutante" papers by G45. Elements on the design are very 3-dimensional...especially in the upper right-hand corner, where some very interesting woven beads hang by fibers from a large metal brad, so the background in that area didn't scan as clearly as I had hoped, but perhaps you can still appreciate the interesting juxtaposition of contrasting elements. To me, these contrasts mimicked the personality of the subject, who is simultaneously a rough-and-tumble boy and a soft, gentle, sweet spirit.

This next layout is a study in monochromatic design:

(photograph by CSIS Photography)

Here I was inspired by the color of the grass in autumn, with its hues of yellow ochre and green. I wanted the focus to be Rigel's face as it was highlighted by the rays of the sun shining through his incredible head of hair. The papers used in this layout are also mostly from the "Steampunk Debutante" papers by G45 -I believe the lettering on the left was cut-out from G45's "Renaissance-Faire" collection. The cool envelope is a rather new addition to G45's line of products -I switched-out the black yarn it came with a green cord that co-ordinated better with the other elements. The 3-D list of all the ways I love this boy was written on some cool ledger paper.

You've probably noticed the many layers of inking and chalking that were applied to give the papers this worn and aged appearance. I also want to point out the interesting technique used on the solid green paper that mats the photo. The paper is torn using a ruler, then the edges are wetted and sanded to make them soft and fuzzy and just a bit uneven, like the neglected lawn and the boy's uneven curls.

One of my favorite elements on this scrapbook layout is the metal button used as the center of the flower...these sort of contrasts add whimsy as well as interest to the artwork.

So dear readers...what have you done lately to step outside of your comfort zone? What challenges have you stepped up to that changed your perspective or allowed you to grow in an unexpected direction? (Please send love by leaving a comment below).